142   HISTORIC GROWTH OF MAN.

THE PHASES OF DEVELOPMENT.   143

The arrangements of text-books with us is a matter of more importance than it was in the old, methods, although we no longer depend upon our text-books exclusively. Extended tables of analysis have been made as a basis for the Vesona or universal language. These show a minute classification of every branch of human knowledge, and they are used as a guide in the new system of schools.

A UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE.   The civilized man

is more natural than the primitive man. For his nature is now more unfolded, better developed. It is true that the primitive man followed a natural impulse in choosing vocal sounds to express his thoughts and feelings, and thus invented language. But with the vast knowledge of the present day to guide us, a new language can be formed upon both a natural and a philosophical basis. Great linguists assure us that "Such a language might be far more perfect, more regular and more easy to learn than any of the spoken languages of man." It could truly represent the entire growth of past ages, in art, in science and in social life.

The Vesona is a language based, first, upon the natural meanings of the vocal sounds; second, upon the natural laws of thought and expression, and third, upon a scientific classification of every branch of human knowledge, so that the language may reflect the same order, simplicity and unity that prevail everywhere in nature.

Human language is an art with three great divisions, grammar, music and gesture. Two of these divisions, that is music and gesture, have already been developed to a great extent in harmony with natural laws. In

the Vesona the author has attempted to attain this same result in the grammar and the vocabulary of language, for these form the most important part in

the great art of expression.

It is estimated that the Vesona can be learned in one-tenth part of the time that it now takes to learn any of the European languages. In education and in the cost of books and newspapers, its adoption will save hundreds of millions annually in either Great Britain or the United States.

When all the nations have the same political and social constitution, the jealousies and quarrels which so long divided them will come to an end. The coinmon knowledge and common interests of all nations will demand a universal language as its symbol and instrument of expression.

If we take an existing language, like English, French or German, and modify its grammar and vocabulary until these are simple and regular, then we should find that these changes would make it more difficult to learn than a new language would be. The mixture of old and new forms would be a source of perpetual confusion to persons who had already been familiar with the language in its older form. This is fully proved by the several attempts which have already been made to modify the English in this way. The only practical way was to make a language entirely new.

THE PHASES OF DEVELOPMENT from the years

of infancy upward must guide in the gradation of studies and classes. In childhood the lower faculties are dominantly active; they are ruled by sensations, perceptions and impulses. As life advances